Nov 06 - Government Extends Nature Reserve Boundary
The Government has extended the boundary of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve to coincide more closely with that of the Rock of Gibraltar Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated under the EU Habitats Directive.
The designation was published in last week's Gibraltar Gazette.
The new, enlarged area will now be known as the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, of which the Upper Rock will remain the largest section.
The Department of the Environment will be preparing management plans for the areas and setting up interpretation panels to inform residents and tourists of the natural history of Gibraltar and demonstrate the importance given by Gibraltar to its international responsibilities for environmental protection.
Minister for the Environment Dr John Cortes commented, "This is a significant step in rationalizing nature conservation in Gibraltar and, what is very important sends a clear message about how important environmental protection is to the Government. We are ensuring that we protect key species and habitats and so preserve the Rock's biodiversity. The rebranding as the Gibraltar Nature Reserve will reinforce the message."
